Postdoctoral researcher in Rural Development in the Global South

Responsibilities

This postdoctoral position focuses on Rural Development in the Global South, specifically researching the social impacts of tree planting for carbon credits in Uganda and Tanzania and the power relations involved. The role includes:

• Developing and expanding research on nature‑based climate solutions, climate‑smart agriculture, agroforestry, and silvopastoralism.
• Conducting independent research in sub‑Saharan Africa, while collaborating with the professor, research group, and external networks.
• Co‑authoring publications, applying for research funding, and participating in group projects.
• Submitting a 1000‑word research proposal that outlines a novel contribution to the field.
• Teaching and supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
• Contributing to the division and department through active participation.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in social sciences, humanities, or an interdisciplinary field with significant critical social science components (e.g., Sustainability Studies), obtained no earlier than three years before June 2023 (excluding sick or parental leave).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to independently design and conduct research tasks.

Preferred or advantageous:

• Experience with ethnographic fieldwork using participatory methods and interviews.
• Published scientific articles in English.
• Demonstrated collaboration in research projects.
• Research experience on small‑scale agriculture and/or forestry in the Global South.
• Background or practical experience in agronomy, agriculture, biology, or nature conservation, especially related to agroforestry or regenerative agriculture.
• Experience with climate‑related research and policy/discourse analysis, particularly in African contexts.
• Fieldwork experience in sub‑Saharan Africa (especially Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa) and knowledge of African languages.
• Own professional networks in African countries.
• Teaching, leadership, or departmental engagement experience.

Placement

Location: Uppsala, Sweden.

Employment type: Time‑limited full‑time position (100%) for 24 months.

Application and Selection

Submit your application through the SLU application system by 8 June 2023. Applications must include a cover letter, CV with list of publications, a research note (the 1000‑word proposal), and contact details for two references. Direct applications to contact persons are not accepted.

About the Department

The Department of Urban and Rural Development comprises six divisions: Agrarian History, Environmental Communication, Environmental Integration, Landscape Architecture, Rural Development, and the SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre. It is the largest SLU department for social sciences, humanities, and design, focusing on sustainable use of natural resources and landscapes. The Division of Rural Development conducts research, teaching, and collaboration on justice, knowledge, and power in agriculture, forestry, and rural development across the Global North and South.

Contact Persons

• Flora Hajdu – Professor, Rural Development in the Global South
• Margarita Cuadra – Head of Division, Rural Development